Uncategorized – Engaged Family Gaminghttp://engagedfamilygaming.com
Providing parents the tools they need to be an active part of their children's gaming.Tue, 19 Feb 2019 14:00:07 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3Episode 163: Apex Legends Comes Out of Nowhere!http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/episode-163-apex-legends-comes-out-of-nowhere/
http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/episode-163-apex-legends-comes-out-of-nowhere/#respondTue, 12 Feb 2019 14:00:02 +0000http://engagedfamilygaming.com/?p=8251This week Stephen and Amanda have a cozy fireside chat as they talk about some of the biggest news to hit the video games this past week. They talk about their impressions of Anthem, and the surprise release of Apex Legends.… Read more.

This week Stephen and Amanda have a cozy fireside chat as they talk about some of the biggest news to hit the video games this past week. They talk about their impressions of Anthem, and the surprise release of Apex Legends.

]]>http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/episode-163-apex-legends-comes-out-of-nowhere/feed/0Kickstarter Preview: Alliance The Card Gamehttp://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/kickstarter-preview-alliance-the-card-game/
http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/kickstarter-preview-alliance-the-card-game/#respondSat, 09 Feb 2019 14:00:10 +0000http://engagedfamilygaming.com/?p=8234Card battling games have been a popular genre for decades (arguably as long as playing cards have existed). We have seen countless variations on similar themes. A handful of those variations succeed and others have fallen short. Alliance The Card Game is one of the few that rise above the rest.… Read more.

Card battling games have been a popular genre for decades (arguably as long as playing cards have existed). We have seen countless variations on similar themes. A handful of those variations succeed and others have fallen short. Alliance The Card Game is one of the few that rise above the rest.

When I first started writing reviews I was taught to frame my review as a comparison of execution vs. expectations. This way I would avoid comparing a game to others in the genre. In essence, I am looking to compare the game to an idealized version of itself. (Please forgive the navel-gazing. I promise I’m getting to the point.) Alliance the Card game succeeds because it does exactly what it promises that it should do. It is a straight forward card game that is easy to set up and tear down. It is also, most importantly, a game that is so simple to learn that young kids can take it out and teach each other to play with no outside intervention.

That last point is super critical for me. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have been pulled away from another game, or from another activity to have to walk my younger kids through games or to help them teach their friends how to play. Alliance solves for that problem by being simple enough to be taught by a kindergartener.

This ease of use doesn’t come at the expense of quality either. Players are treated to an interesting battle game with some strategic decisions to be made. The cards feature amazing art in a new, but familiar, sword and sorcery setting.

It is worth mentioning that this Kickstarter is for a Starter Kit that will only feature two armies. The intention is to design and sell more cards and card sets is expansions that will help deepen the strategy of the game.

Alliance The Card Game plays with two players ages 6+. Each player plays with a 35 card deck that includes a Leader, generals, and various warriors. Play begins by placing the leaders in their respective places on the game board. Players then take turns taking cards from the top of their deck and placing them in one of five spaces towards the center of the board.

The real action takes place once the front rows of each side of the board have been filled. Players take turns activating two of their five active creatures to attack creatures on the other side of the board. Activation is straight forward; you choose a character and then roll a metal die. If the number that comes up matches an attack number on the card, then damage is dealt to the target.

When cards are defeated they are moved to the slain pile. Each player can only replace one card per turn so the goal is to put the pressure on and get ahead. Once all five spaces have been cleared you have a chance to attack the enemy leader.

Conclusion

If you back Alliance the Card Game at $39 on Kickstarter, then you will get the base game. There is a $44 pledge level that includes the designer’s autograph.

If you and your family are looking for a straight forward card battling game set in a sword and sorcery setting, then I think this will be a great addition to your collection.

Animal Kingdoms a beautiful area control and hand management game. It is the first game from Galactic Raptor Games, which is the joint company of veteran game publishers Carla Kopp and Dan Letzring. They applied their skills in game publishing to select Animal Kingdom by Steven Aramini as the first game.

Animal Kingdoms a beautiful area control and hand management game. It is the first game from Galactic Raptor Games, which is the joint company of veteran game publishers Carla Kopp and Dan Letzring. They applied their skills in game publishing to select Animal Kingdom by Steven Aramini as the first game. This game has stunning art and is one to check out here on Kickstarter. Their game is fully funded and you can get a copy for $29.

Can you give us a “Tale of the Tape” for your game? The title, genre, playtime, age ranges, etc.

Animal Kingdoms is a hand-management and area control game for 1-5 players, ages 8+, playable in 45 minutes.

What is the elevator pitch?

In Animal Kingdoms, each player takes on the role of a house leader, battling to gain control of the five kingdoms. Cards in your hand represent noble beasts that have pledged their allegiance to you. Over the course of three ages, you must deploy your beasts to the various territories – making sure that you adhere to each kingdom’s decree – to try and improve your influential position in the kingdoms. The house that gains the most influence by the end of the third age is declared the one true leader of the realm.

When is your Kickstarter going live?

It went live January 8th and runs to February 1st.

Where are you in production/development? How close are you to complete?

We are very close to complete, it is basically done.

Are there any other games that you think are comparable to your game?

Ethnos, Worlds Fair

You’re a game designer. You could have made any game you wanted. Why did you make THIS game?

We saw potential during the pitching of this game for something that could connect with many levels of gamers, hardcore gamers, families, kids, adults, anyone. Games with a fresh gameplay style, simple rule set but depth of strategy are a must publish when you come across them!

What is the number one reason why a family MUST purchase this game?

It has a very simple core rule-set ensuring understanding for gamers of all skill levels but it also requires a lot of planning and in game strategy ensuring that everyone at the table can get out of the game what they put into it!

How long has this game been in development?

1.5 years

What obstacles did you encounter making this game?

Our biggest challenge was dealing with tie-breakers. We tried many different methods from placement tie-breakers, to war-style card playing, to friendly ties. This was probably our biggest hurdle in development.

What did your first prototype look like?

It was pretty good actually. Steven Aramini is the designer and he works hard at making very playable and intuitive prototypes. He hand crafts quality components and makes sure to leave a lasting impression with his works.

Why did you get into making games?

To encourage family and friends to have face-to-face interaction at the table with games!

What other information do you want us to know about you, your company, and/or your game?

Although this is Galactic Raptor’s first game, the company is formed by Carla Kopp of Weird Giraffe and Dan Letzring of Letiman Games. Between us, we have already produced 12 games combined for our own companies.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

]]>http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/kickstarter-of-the-week-animal-kingdoms/feed/0Family Friendly Video Game Releases from November 18 -24 2018http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/family-friendly-video-game-releases-from-november-18-24-2018/
http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/family-friendly-video-game-releases-from-november-18-24-2018/#respondMon, 19 Nov 2018 14:00:09 +0000http://engagedfamilygaming.com/?p=7998Here are all the video games rated E-T that are being released the week of November 18-24, 2018.

]]>http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/family-friendly-video-game-releases-from-november-18-24-2018/feed/0Secret of Mana is being Remade with Modern Visuals and Sound!http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/secret-mana-remade-modern-visuals-sound/
http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/secret-mana-remade-modern-visuals-sound/#respondMon, 04 Sep 2017 14:00:14 +0000http://engagedfamilygaming.com/?p=5372

Square Enix has announced a complete remake of the Secret of Mana. It is scheduled to be released on February 15, 2018 for the PlayStation 4, the PSVita, and PC. They aren’t kidding when they say it is a complete remake either.

Square Enix has announced a complete remake of the Secret of Mana. It is scheduled to be released on February 15, 2018 for the PlayStation 4, the PSVita, and PC. They aren’t kidding when they say it is a complete remake either. Square is giving the game an overhaul with 3D graphics, bright colors, and voice acting!

Secret of Mana is one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. Its claim to fame, at least in my heart, is being the first action RPG to include two player, simultaneous, cooperative play. It was one of the first opportunities my brother and I had to play a game like this together. It actually supported three players, but we were never able to make that happen. We will get that chance again when the remake comes out.

Square Enix is giving Secret of Mana a full makeover. They are using a bright and colorful art style that will be a sight to behold. It’s interesting that Square Enix waited this long to remake this one, but I am hoping that this will become a trend. They have a huge catalog of games that are worthy of remakes like this.

I know that we’re picking this one up the minute it comes out. What about your family? Sound off in the comments!

]]>http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/secret-mana-remade-modern-visuals-sound/feed/0The Engaged Family Gaming Games of the Show for E3 2017http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/engaged-family-gaming-games-show-e3-2017/
http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/engaged-family-gaming-games-show-e3-2017/#commentsMon, 19 Jun 2017 14:00:31 +0000http://engagedfamilygaming.com/?p=5036E3 2017 has come and gone and our intrepid heroes have ventured forth into those hallowed halls in search of greatness. They played a LOT of games and each of them was tasked with declaring their favorite game to be their Game of the Show.… Read more.

E3 2017 has come and gone and our intrepid heroes have ventured forth into those hallowed halls in search of greatness. They played a LOT of games and each of them was tasked with declaring their favorite game to be their Game of the Show. Take a look below and see what they picked.

My choice for E3 2017 game of show is Polyarc Games’ action adventure puzzle game Moss. What I saw of this game strikes a difficult balance between puzzle solving, light combat and utilizing the 3D virtual reality environment. Requiring you to be a part of solving the puzzles along with Quill makes you a part of the story as well.John – RiverbondName of Game: Riverbond

Developer: Cococumber

System: Xbone,PC

Release Date: TBA

My choice for E3 2017 game of show is Polyarc Games’ action adventure puzzle game Moss. What I saw of this game strikes a difficult balance between puzzle solving, light combat and utilizing the 3D virtual reality environment. Requiring you to be a part of solving the puzzles along with Quill makes you a part of the story as well.

Payback is my pick for best of show. Why? Because I hate racing games and yet I loved this game! It’s a driving game but you have a mission and a story to unlock. I won’t admit how much pleasure I took from running cars off the road. Loved it!

Battle Chasers: Nightwar… a beautiful RPG developed by Airship Syndicate and Published by Nordic Games, and based on one of the most popular American Comic Series in the 90s, by Joe Madureira, who is the creative director on the game as well. The beautiful artwork, the rich and immersive environments, and the strategic depth are all high points that I know will have me coming back for more and more this October when the world will be able to enter the arcane punk wonderland of Battle Chasers: Nightwar.

]]>http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/episode-87-calm-storm/feed/0Family Video Game Review: Graceful Explosion Machinehttp://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/family-video-game-review-graceful-explosion-machine/
http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/family-video-game-review-graceful-explosion-machine/#respondTue, 16 May 2017 14:00:09 +0000http://engagedfamilygaming.com/?p=4797Sometimes a game just sneaks up on you and gives you everything that you wanted. Graceful Explosion Machines was that game for me this year. It came out right around the launch of the Nintendo Switch right in between two mammoth Nintendo franchises (The Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart).… Read more.

Sometimes a game just sneaks up on you and gives you everything that you wanted. Graceful Explosion Machines was that game for me this year. It came out right around the launch of the Nintendo Switch right in between two mammoth Nintendo franchises (The Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart). Just about any other game would have been forgotten amidst that kind of competition, but Graceful Explosion Machine was a neon pink sign that helped me find my way.

(Editor’s Note: The pink hat reference is perfect for ME, but definitely needs context. Back in the before times, when I was much younger, my family went to Disney World. My mother, in an effort to protect us, bought us these obnoxious, neon hats. This helped her easily pick us out of the crowd and find us as we pushed through the crowds.)

Graceful Explosion Machines is a classic space “shmup” (Shoot ’em Up) that is currently exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. It is also a spectacular video game.

Anyone who has ever played any sort of arcade game will recognize the gameplay loop immediately. Players pilot a ship around various colorful levels. The goal is to eliminate all of the enemies in each level as quickly as possible and without getting hit.

Eliminating those enemies requires careful use of the four different weapons at your disposal. Each of those weapons is assigned to one of the four face buttons. You have a standard blaster (that will overheat if you shoot too fast), a long range sniper blast that delivers continuous damage, a sword that swings around your ship, and a set of heat seeking missiles. The latter three of those weapons all share an energy bar. You cant just use those powers wildly.

This careful use of all of your different weapons while flying through the various levels pushes you into an almost meditative state as you play. It’s easy to get lost in the game during those brief moments. The longer you are able to play in that meditative state (without failing a mission) the more joyful that state it. This makes Graceful Explosion Machine one of those games where it actually feels better to play as you grow in skill. That is so rare in today’s market that some kids have probably never experienced it at all.

Fix that problem and buy this game for them. Trust me. It will be worth it.

Is it a kid’s game?

Graceful Explosion Machine is an arcade style game that is all simple shapes and bright colors. There is almost nothing to be concerned about with this game.

There is no narrative that expressed mature themes. The game does involve a spaceship blasting other enemy spacecraft, but all them are such simple designs that the inherent violence is very abstracted. This is a modern equivalent to Space Invaders.

Can a kid play it?

There is no doubt that GEM is a challenging game. But, it is still a very inviting experience. Failing at a level is painless and restarting is very fast.

The game does make use of all of the different face buttons on the controller and the should buttons as well so kids who aren’t used to that will have some difficulty.

Conclusion

This is currently the best game available for the Nintendo Switch not called Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Play this game.

]]>http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/family-video-game-review-graceful-explosion-machine/feed/0The EFG Kids’ Corner: Getting Started in Yu-Gi-Oh!http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/efg-kids-corner-getting-started-yu-gi-oh/
http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/efg-kids-corner-getting-started-yu-gi-oh/#respondThu, 16 Feb 2017 14:00:15 +0000http://engagedfamilygaming.com/?p=4442Welcome to the EFG Kids’ Corner! This is a series of articles written by gamer kids all over the country! If you are a gamer kid (or know one) send me your best stuff in an email at editor@engagedfamilygaming.com! You just might see it here!… Read more.

Welcome to the EFG Kids’ Corner! This is a series of articles written by gamer kids all over the country! If you are a gamer kid (or know one) send me your best stuff in an email at editor@engagedfamilygaming.com! You just might see it here!

Without further adieu… here we go!

Hi It’s time for part two of my Yu-Gi-Oh assignment. I was asked to talk about how I got into the game and maybe even a little about how the game is played. So here we go.

I originally got into the game because I watched the show. When I found out about the card game I went for it almost right away. I saved up and bought the Elemental Hero themed Starter Deck.

Pretty soon after that I went to a sleepaway, week-long, summer camp at Camp Mystic Lake at (no surprise) Lake Mystic. I don’t know why but I brought my deck with me. We had a free hour after lunch to roam wherever we wanted, go to the archery range, swim in the lake, take a jog in the forest paths, or whatever. On the first day I went right outside the dining hall near gaga ball and carpet ball and played with the one friend I had that played Yu-Gi-Oh, too. But, after one game we went off to play some other games. So he left for gaga and I went over to play some carpet ball.

But, on the way there I was stopped by a kid from the Ottawa cabin, which is the only other boys tween cabin. He asked me what I was playing so I told him and he wanted to know how to play. I taught him and we got about halfway through a game before free period ended. We agreed to meet there the next day. The same day, right after free period we had a time of rest to do something quiet in our cabin, so I thought I would try to teach some of my cabin mates how to play. So I did, and each free period and time of rest I taught one more person how to play. Eventually I had about ten people I’d taught to play the game.

What I’m trying to say with this is that it’s not to hard to get people to play the game with. Just get some decks and teach your friends!

Well thanks for reading and I hope you’ll check in next time for me to wrap up this Yu-Gi-Oh trilogy by talking about my experiences at my first tournament.

]]>http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/efg-kids-corner-getting-started-yu-gi-oh/feed/0Our Favorite Games from GenCon 2016!http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/favorite-games-gencon-2016/
http://engagedfamilygaming.com/uncategorized/favorite-games-gencon-2016/#respondFri, 16 Sep 2016 03:41:37 +0000http://engagedfamilygaming.com/?p=4182GenCon 2016 has come and gone and it is, essentially, the E3 of board games. Every year dozens of board games are debuted there to be demoed (or purchased) by thousands of gamers hungry to be on the cutting edge of the hobby.… Read more.

GenCon 2016 has come and gone and it is, essentially, the E3 of board games. Every year dozens of board games are debuted there to be demoed (or purchased) by thousands of gamers hungry to be on the cutting edge of the hobby.

We, unfortunately, weren’t able to make the trip ourselves, but thanks to BoardGameGeek.com and a lot of press releases we have a pretty good idea of what games made a big splash there. Take a look below for a list of the games that we have our eyes on.

Seafall

Plaid Hat Games

Ages 14+

3-5 Players

90-120 minutes

Legacy games shouldn’t be anything new to board game fans as there have been several. The most recent legacy game, Pandemic: Legacy Season One, took the world by storm last year. Seafall, however, is different because it is the first game that has been built from the ground up as a Legacy game.

In Seafall, players take on the role of explorers during the age of sail that have discovered a new land. The map on the gameboard is empty and it is up to the players to explore the land and see what is going on.

What I love most about this game is that I have to speak about it in general terms because I honestly don’t know what happens. I know there is a story much like there was in previous Legacy games. I just don’t know what it is, and the fact that it is a completely new title means I have no context to try and figure it out on my on.

I guess I’ll just have to play it!

Scythe

Stonemeier Games

Ages 14+

1-5 Players

90-115 minutes

There are very few games that have been hyped up as much as Scythe has been over the past year. This is a game that was backed heavily on Kickstarter thanks to its gorgeous art and the fascinating premise. The game takes place in a diesel-punk alternate history version of post World War I. Some of the art featured in the game includes quant pastoral villages with adorable farmhouses being towered over by multistory diesel-belching mechs.

At first, when I saw the campaign I had assumed that it was a miniatures wargame featuring towering mechs and bear riders. But, as I learned more about the game I found out that it is really more about resource management and territory control. You actually can only earn so many points through battle. The rest of the points you earn are through other means.

One feature that I think really sets the game apart is the idea of popularity. Different achievements and resources are worth a different amount of points dependant upon your popularity level with the people. This means that taking explicitly evil actions that might turn the people against you can have a significant cost in the long run (that doesn’t mean they won’t be worth it though).

Star Trek Panic

USAopoly

Ages13+

1-6 Players

90-120 minutes

We have talked about Castle Panic before and you might be tempted to just write this one off as a simple reskinning of the original. Do yourself a favor and wipe those thoughts away right now.

Star Trek Panic adds a lot to the formula like

We’ve talked about Castle Panic before. Star Trek Panic is similar in form, but it does more than replace the sword and sorcery theme with a shiny sci-fi one. Instead, this game adds things like missions, character cards, and new mechanics.

The best part about the game though? The cardboard USS Enterprise that sits in the center of the game board while you play.

Star Trek: Ascendancy

Gale Force Nine

Ages 14+

3 Players

90-180 minutes

This is a big year for Star Trek. We had a new movie (Star Trek: Beyond), an upcoming series (Star Trek: Discovery), and several licensed board games. While Star Trek Panic is a lighter strategy game based around an existing idea, Star Trek: Ascension brings the Trek universe into the heavy strategy genre.

The gameboard is all but blank when this game starts. That is because the galaxy will be discovered slowly as the three players (each one controlling either the Federation, The Klingon Empire, or the Romulan Empire respectively) travel around the board discovering new stars, planets, and eventually each other. At that point the players will need to trade, form alliances, and explore in order to earn the win.

Vast: The Crystal Caverns

Leader Games

Ages 10+

1-5 Players

75 minutes

Asymmetrical gameplay is a challenge, but is is very cool when it comes together well in a board game. Vast: The Crystal Caverns certainly shoots to accomplish that.

Vast is a dungeon crawler game that has each player assigned to a different role from the valiant knight and the slumbering dragon to the cave itself. Each role has completely different game mechanics and win conditions. For example: The Knight wins by killing the dragon. The Dragon wins by waking up and escaping. The cave wins by collapsing in itself and crushing everyone else inside.

Kreo

Cool Mini or Not

Ages 10+

3-6 Players

This is a cooperative game where players take on the role of greek titans who are working to create a sustainable world. There are element cards which help you build nature cards, Nature cards are used to build the planet.

The game looks as simple as it is fast. The entire deck of cards is dealt out to the players. Gameplay involves multiple rounds wherein players while simultaneously play cards trying to complete different phases of creation. The key is that players cannot communicate directly about what they are going to play. This limitation can be circumvented by using a limited resource, but it is a pretty significant part of the challenge.

Ticket to Ride: Rails and Sails

Days of Wonder

Ages 10+

2-5 players

60-120 minutes

Ticket to Ride: Rails and Sails mixes up the traditional TTR formula in two main ways. The first is that it includes a double sided map that includes a world map and a map focused on the Great Lakes region of the United States. The second is that players can also claim routes across land using trains and sea using boats. They even mix things up by including train cards and boat cards that players have to collect to claim their respective routes. This adds a lot of new decisions for players to make.

We haven’t played a bad version of Ticket to Ride yet, so we’re sure this will be a great one to add to the collection.

Beyond Baker Street

Z-Man

Ages 13+

2-4 players

20 minutes

This is a Sherlock Holmes themed cooperative deduction game. Players are racing to solve a crime before the legendary Sherlock Holmes can. The gameplay itself is very similar to Hanabi. Players each hold a set of five clues, but they can’t see what they have. They can only see their what their teammates are holding. Each turn players can Assist another detective, Investigate a crime scene, Confirm evidence, Eliminate dead leads, or Pursue new leads. The players win if they can gather enough evidence before Holmes does.

I’ll admit that I have had some bad experiences with Hanabi, but I am definitely willing to give this one a shot.

Captain Sonar

Asmodee

Ages 12+

2-8 Players

30-60 minutes

Ok. So we all played Battleship when we were kids right? Captain Sonar is a game that pits two teams of players against each other as they each run Submarines that are trying to destroy one another. Each player has a separate role and the battles take place in real time.

This sounds to us like it has the makings of a great game to pull out at game nights and we can’t wait to give it a shot.

Killer Snails: Assassins of the Sea

This is a competitive deck building game that is themed around the idea of farming deadly cone snails. They are deadly creatures, but they can be farmed to harness some of their pieces to help make medicines and other useful products.

Killer Snails was designed in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, the National Science Foundation, and the Media Center IFP. There is even a teacher’s guide to using this game to help learn.

Fight for Olympus

Lookout Games/Mayfair Games

Ages 12+

2 Players

30 Minutes

Fight for Olympus is a two player competitive card game with strategic elements. The game is based on Greek Mythology so we know our oldest son is hungry for this one.

Players control six spaces on a virtual game board. Three of them are reserved for military action and the other three are for resources and “Power Discs.” Creatures played in the front row deal damage to creatures directly across from them. If there are no creatures to attack then the damage is dealt to the other player directly.

The art on the different cards looks great and the combat mechanics look interesting enough to rocket this game very high on our list.

Did you see anything at GenCon 2016 that caught your eye? Sound off in the comments!